Maximizing Tc by tuning nematicity and magnetism in FeSe1−xSx superconductors

A fundamental issue concerning iron-based superconductivity is the roles of electronic nematicity and magnetism in realising high transition temperature ( T c ). To address this issue, FeSe is a key material, as it exhibits a unique pressure phase diagram involving non-magnetic nematic and pressure-induced antiferromagnetic ordered phases. However, as these two phases in FeSe have considerable overlap, how each order affects superconductivity remains perplexing. Here we construct the three-dimensional electronic phase diagram, temperature ( T ) against pressure ( P ) and isovalent S-substitution ( x ), for FeSe 1− x S x . By simultaneously tuning chemical and physical pressures, against which the chalcogen height shows a contrasting variation, we achieve a complete separation of nematic and antiferromagnetic phases. In between, an extended non-magnetic tetragonal phase emerges, where T c shows a striking enhancement. The completed phase diagram uncovers that high- T c superconductivity lies near both ends of the dome-shaped antiferromagnetic phase, whereas T c remains low near the nematic critical point. The overlap between different phases has hindered the understanding of how each phase affects superconductivity in FeSe. Here, Matsuura et al. achieve a complete separation of non-magnetic nematic and antiferromagnetic phases for FeSe 1- x S x , observing a tetragonal phase in between with a strikingly enhanced T c .